12 Questions
What is the main difference between external validity and internal validity?
External validity refers to the generalizability of results, while internal validity refers to the accuracy of causal inferences.
What does it mean for a hypothesis to be falsifiable?
It means that the hypothesis can be proven false through observation or experimentation.
Which paradigm in communication studies focuses on questioning power structures and social inequalities?
Critical paradigm
What is Occam's razor commonly used for in theory evaluation?
To simplify theories by favoring the simplest explanation
Which of the following best describes the role of intentionality in communication?
Intentionality is necessary for all communicative behaviors.
What is the significance of having both reliability and validity in research studies?
Reliability ensures consistent results, while validity confirms the truthfulness of findings.
What does the term 'realist' refer to in communication studies?
Someone who believes in objective reality
What is the primary focus of critical theorists?
Analyzing power structures and social inequalities
How do grand theories, middle-range theories, and narrow theories differ in terms of scope?
Middle-range theories are more specific than grand theories.
What is the difference between a research hypothesis and a research question?
A hypothesis is an educated guess, while a question seeks information.
What are the characteristics of scholarly research according to Trenholm?
6 characteristics related to quality standards
What do the terms ideology, hegemony, emancipation, and alienation primarily refer to in communication studies?
Key concepts in critical theory
Study Notes
Validity in Research
- External validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized to other contexts and populations.
- Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study's design and procedures ensure that the results are due to the independent variable and not to other factors.
Theory Evaluation
- A hypothesis is considered falsifiable if it can be proven or disproven through empirical evidence and observation.
- Occam's razor is a principle used to evaluate theories, suggesting that, all things being equal, the simplest explanation or theory is preferred.
Communication Studies
- The critical paradigm in communication studies focuses on questioning power structures and social inequalities.
- Realist refers to a perspective in communication studies that emphasizes the role of objective reality in shaping human behavior and communication.
Research Design
- A research hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction made by a researcher, whereas a research question is a more general inquiry guiding the research study.
- Grand theories are broad in scope and attempt to explain a wide range of phenomena, middle-range theories are narrower in scope and focus on a specific context, and narrow theories are highly specific and limited in scope.
Critical Theory
- Critical theorists primarily focus on critiquing and challenging dominant power structures and social inequalities.
Scholarly Research
- According to Trenholm, scholarly research is characterized by being systematic, objective, empirical, and self-correcting.
- Reliability and validity are both essential in research studies, as reliability ensures consistency in measurement, and validity ensures that the study measures what it claims to measure.
Key Concepts
- Ideology, hegemony, emancipation, and alienation primarily refer to concepts related to power, domination, and liberation in communication studies.
Test your knowledge on various concepts in communication studies including historical periods, impact of communication, models of communication theory, characteristics of scholarly research, and philosophical assumptions.
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